Multi-disciplinary operation deals illegal miners a hard blow

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A multi-disciplinary operation conducted over two days in the Namakwa area, Northern Cape dealt illegal miners a hard blow following a crime intelligence driven operation.

The operation which commenced on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday led to a total of 867 persons being apprehended and arrested for various offences of whom majority were undocumented persons.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the main focus was to address the pursuing illicit mining activities at the AK 64 mining block and the Springbok hostel situated in Kleinsee.

“The operation focused on illegal mining activities in the Kleinzee area during which numerous digging equipment and implements were confiscated.

“During the disruptive actions police members, entered the mining areas and arrested illegal diggers in the unauthorized areas.

“The Springbok hostels were also demolished after the police actions. Unfortunately three males were injured during the actions and received medical treatment afterwards,” she said.

Various police stations and units within the Namakwa district, provincial components and the department of home affairs participated in the execution of the operation.

Immigration officials were on site during the execution of the operation with three police helicopters assisting on the ground forces with aerial support by directing them in the mining area.

Provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Koliswa Otola commended the multidisciplinary task teams including the management of the AK 64 mine who assisted in the execution of the disruptive actions.

Otola stated that these actions sent a clear message to illegal miners that their disregard for the law will not be tolerated and continuous actions will prevail unabated and relentlessly. At the same time issued a clear message to the locals that harboring illegal foreigners and undocumented persons is an offence, and they will be prosecuted. 

She also thanked the members of all agencies for their commitment and dedication in this collaborative quest to reclaim the mines from illegal diggers.

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All detainees will be appearing in various magistrates courts within the district and will be transferred to holding facilities.

Meanwhile, four male suspects aged between 22 and 44 years appeared before Mecklenburg Periodical Court on Thursday for illegal mining activities and contravention of immigration act.

The suspects were arrested on Tuesday at Diphale-Legabeng in Sekhukhune District.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba this comes after information received from the source about the illegal mining activities in progress.

“Upon police arrival at the site, a large number of people reportedly ran away from the scene to different directions evading arrest.

“The police managed to arrest four male suspects and confiscated the mining equipment. The total estimated value of the goods confiscated is at R261 000.00,” he said.

Limpopo police commissioner, lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest and further applauded the team for fighting against illegal mining activities in the province.